A Tesla service center is shown in Costa Mesa, California, US, on Oct 20, 2020. (Photo: Agencies)

Tesla produced 509,737 and delivered 499,550 vehicles in 2020, the US electric car maker said on Saturday.

The delivery number was above Wall Street's estimates but still came slightly short of its annual goal of delivering 500,000 vehicles.

It added that the production of the Model Y in Shanghai is underway, with deliveries "expected to begin shortly."

The company said its net income and other financial results will be released when it announces fourth quarter earnings.